Declutter the Garage With Your Kids: A Simple Family Guide That Actually Works

Garages are one of the most underused and cluttered spaces in UK homes. From forgotten toys and old furniture to bags of unused items, the garage quickly becomes a catch-all space for everything that doesn’t have a home inside the house. But what if you could reclaim that space and do it with your kids? This simple, step-by-step guide will help you clear out the clutter, get your garage organised, and turn it into a functional space that everyone in the family can enjoy. Plus, we’ll make sure it’s a fun and manageable task that doesn’t feel like a chore.

Get Everyone on Board

We’ve all been there! staring at a cluttered garage and wondering where to start. But when we decided to tackle it as a family, it turned into an afternoon of laughter and teamwork. Here’s how you can do the same!

Before diving into the garage clutter, it’s important to get your kids excited about the task ahead. Instead of thinking of it as a dreaded chore, make it feel like a family adventure! Start by talking to your children about how this will make the garage more useful and fun. 

Set small challenges, like “Can we each find five things we haven’t used in a year?” You could even create a reward system, such as giving everyone a small treat once the garage is tidy, or planning a special family activity afterward. When kids feel like they’re part of the process, they’re more likely to get involved and stay motivated.

Set Realistic Expectations and Goals

It’s important to remember that the goal is not to create a perfectly organised space right away. UK garages often serve many purposes, from storing sports equipment to housing gardening tools and holiday decorations, so it’s easy for things to pile up. Setting realistic expectations and goals will help keep you and your kids on track. 

Break the task down into small steps, you don’t need to do it all in one go. Maybe tackle just the sports equipment today and leave the gardening tools for another day.

Having these small, achievable goals will help you see progress quickly and avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

Sorting and Deciding What to Keep, Donate, and Toss

Now comes the part where you and your kids can really make a difference: sorting through everything. This is a great opportunity to teach children about decision-making and the importance of letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose. 

Set up three categories: Keep, Donate, and Toss. Ask your kids questions like, 

“Do you still play with this toy?” or 

“Is this old bike still safe to ride?” 

This will help them get involved and make thoughtful decisions.

However, not everything will be reusable or donateable, and that’s perfectly okay. You’ll likely come across some bulky items that just can’t be saved, old garden gear, broken furniture, or unused appliances.

 If you're in the Croydon area, hiring a skip from ProSkips is a great local option for easy disposal. They offer convenient skip hire services to help you quickly clear out those larger items that can’t be donated.

Storage Solutions and Organisational Tips

Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, it’s time to organise what’s left. Keep things simple and practical, especially when kids are involved. Use stackable storage bins for smaller items like balls, tools, or craft supplies. Label each box clearly so everyone knows where things belong, and encourage your kids to get involved by helping with the labelling. Another great tip is to use vertical space, wall-mounted shelves or hooks can store gardening tools, bikes, and other items without taking up floor space.

If you need more storage, try setting up a dedicated area for your kids to store their outdoor toys or sports equipment. You could even get them involved in the process by asking them where they think certain things should go. The goal isn’t to create a Pinterest-perfect garage but to make it functional, accessible, and easy for everyone to find what they need.

If you need storage solutions that won't break the bank, look into these affordable shelving options at The Range or IKEA. Both offer a variety of budget-friendly shelves that can help maximise your space without blowing your budget.

Make It a Fun Finish

Once you’ve organised the garage and sorted everything into its rightful place, it’s time to celebrate your hard work! Gather the family together and take a moment to admire the tidy space you’ve created. To make it more fun, you could turn it into a mini “show-off” by having each family member point out their favourite part of the newly organised garage. This will help your kids take pride in the work they’ve done and encourage them to keep the space tidy moving forward.

Another great idea is to plan a family activity in the newly cleared garage space, such as setting up a small play area or having a family game night. This gives your kids something to look forward to and reinforces the idea that the garage is now a useful, enjoyable space for everyone.

Conclusion

Clearing out the garage with your kids doesn’t have to be a stressful, overwhelming task. With a bit of planning, teamwork, and a fun attitude, you can turn the cluttered garage into a space that everyone in the family can enjoy. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s about making the space functional and organised in a way that works for your family. So, grab the kids, put on some music, and get started. Your garage, and your family’s teamwork, will thank you!